Season's first kiwifruit China bound
Zespri's first charter shipment of the 2024 New Zealand kiwifruit season is on its way to Shanghai.
PATRICK MALLEY from Northland was the big winner at last night's Young Horticulturist of the Year awards, taking home the top prize and three other awards.
The kiwifruit and avocado grower was one of five finalists, all under the age of 30 to compete in the grand final competition. Over two days contestants were expected to complete a range of activities including practical activities, computer management skills, presentation skills, and an interview by a panel of judges.
Leading up to the competition, they also had to complete a written business project known as the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project.
The final challenge was a three-minute speech outlining their vision for attracting extra people to horticulture to meet the government's goal of increasing qualified staff in the industry by 2025.
This is the first time most finalists have had to manage a project from beginning to end, requiring motivation and discipline along the way. Presenting their AGMARDT Market Innovation Project to a panel of judges was also new for them.
Malley took home a grand prize of $7,500 worth of travel and accommodation, the Primary ITO Career Development Award, as well as the Fruitfed Supplies Leadership Award. He also took first prize for the AGMARDT Market Innovation Project, with his traceability technology for kiwifruit.
Organisers said the aim of the competition was to nurture the interest and passion of the younger generations as well as showcase the industry.
"We want to encourage that passion from primary school all the way through to university and beyond, as it's an incredibly rewarding industry to be part of," says T&G executive general manager NZ, Andrew Keaney.
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.
Listed Canterbury milk processor Synlait’s shares have been placed in a trading halt.
OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.
A step-by-step guide helping farmers through the process of creating a Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP) has been launched by FarmIQ.